New York, NY — The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) commends Pennsylvania Governor-elect Tom Wolf for nominating Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as Physician General of that state. Dr. Levine is a transgender woman and professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She also serves as chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders and works closely with the school’s Office of Diversity, mentoring LGBT students, faculty and staff. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of Equality Pennsylvania, a statewide organization advancing equality and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians. In her new role as Physician General, Levine would advise the Governor and Secretary of the Department of Health on medical and public health-related issues.

Statement from Executive Director Michael Silverman

“We are thrilled to see the nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine as Pennsylvania’s Physician General, the first openly transgender person chosen for that role. As Governor-elect Wolf noted in his announcement, ‘Dr. Rachel Levine is well-respected in the fields of pediatrics, psychiatry, and behavioral health, where she has practiced for close to three decades.’

“This nomination marks yet another milestone for transgender visibility in America. As openly transgender people continue to rise to prominent positions, the public comes to know, understand, and respect their accomplishments and contributions to our society. We congratulate Dr. Levine and wish her the best with the Pennsylvania State Senate confirmation process.”